Laid-Off Engineers Turn to Teaching

"People, I think, in general think, 'Oh, anyone can teach,' but the reality of our world is knowing about something and being able to teach it to other people is not always as easy as you think," said Christine Flonouse, the program director.

Region 10 TPC has reached out to engineers laid off by Texas Instruments, and dozens have signed up to transition into a teaching career.

Lewis Flanagin, who has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, turned to the program when he couldn't find a job in his field.

He said he's always been interested in teaching, but knows going from the culture of corporate America to that of the classroom may be challenging.

"It's a lot different environment than working with peers your same age," Flanagin said.